HRH Prince Charles joined officials and volunteers to celebrate the transformation of this historic canal from derelict wasteland into a valued community resource.

Transforming Stroud’s canals

Thanks to a National Lottery grant of £12.7million, the Renaissance of the Cotswold Canals project has rejuvenated six miles of canal, and joined the Stroudwater Navigation to the Thames and Severn canal.

Stroud District Council, working in partnership with the Cotswolds Canal Trust, led this work with the support of enthusiastic local volunteers.

Not only is the canal now a perfect place for the local community to enjoy, it has also won approval from further afield, and the project has received three major awards.

A royal opening

The canal was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles, who boarded the narrow boat, Perseverance, for a quick trip down Wallbridge Lower Lock during his visit.

David Hagg, Stroud District Council’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that Prince Charles has agreed to mark this historic event.

“His visit was perfectly timed to mark the completion of the first major phase of the canal restoration project and the rejoining of two canals – the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames & Severn.”

Thanks to National Lottery players

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of HLF, and Stephen Boyce, Chair of HLF’s South West committee, were also present. Sir Peter Luff said: “We are impressed with the tremendous achievement in restoring the canal channel and its structures.

“Together with the work accomplished by volunteers, this project would not have been possible without money raised by National Lottery players. It’s wonderful to see the impact of that investment and the benefits it is having for communities, wildlife and heritage. Congratulations to everyone involved.”